Discover Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Before menstruation drops, women experience a change in their hormone levels that causes a series of symptoms. However, while many are completely normal, others may be warning of the presence of PMDD.

L os symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder are much more intense than those of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Let us remember some of them that fall within what we consider normal:

• Feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
• Tension, anxiety and nervousness.
• Irritable and hostile behavior, even aggressive.
• Ups and downs in mood.
• Sleeping problems
• Low self-esteem and feelings of guilt.

Depending on the month, these symptoms can vary, that is, feelings of sadness may be present one month and, in another, irritable and hostile behavior will predominate. The most important thing is that none of the above symptoms make you unable to lead a normal life. The same is not true for premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder disables

When we use the word disorder we are referring to a serious problem that affects in an important way. In the case of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, women who suffer from it do not have the symptoms of PMS, but others.

Major depression

Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder present symptoms typical of major depression. This can cause them to be unable to get out of bed and fulfill their obligations, such as going to work.

During the days before the arrival of menstruation, women with this disorder may present feelings of sadness and hopelessness. In some cases, they are even accompanied by suicidal thoughts.
The typical feelings that emerge at such times are:

• The lack of interest in daily activities is obvious. Not only because of not wanting to work, but also because of going shopping or interacting with other people. This can lead to isolation that enhances these symptoms.
• The feeling of lack of energy, as well as the emotional ups and downs with crying spells for no reason, will be present. Thus, sometimes the opposite will occur. Irritability and anger that will be directed at those closest to you, disconcerting them.

Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety can also be present in women with PMDD. This will cause sleep problems and force these women to avoid certain situations, such as crowded places, that aggravate anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety will also manifest itself in the uncontrolled desire to consume certain foods, for example, sweets. This will cause a great feeling of discomfort after eating excessively and without hunger this type of food that is so little recommended for our health.

Many times, the symptoms of anxiety end up leading to panic attacks that can last minutes or hours. These are moments when fear invades us in an intense way and we cannot control it.

How to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

The aforementioned symptoms usually improve once the menstrual period is low. Sometimes it takes a few days for our mood to stabilize and feel good again.

The way to avoid or prevent PMDD is by taking into account certain healthy habits. Next, we are going to mention some of them that can help us:

• Balanced diet : consuming more fruits and vegetables and reducing the consumption of salt, alcohol and caffeine will be important to prevent the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

• Regular exercise : we are not talking about muscular exercise, but cardiovascular exercise. This helps reduce stress and anxiety and will lessen the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, even preventing them from appearing. We must exercise as a habit to obtain the desired results.
• Sleeping habits : always sleep at the same time, do not have a copious meal and go to bed after two hours to digest. This will be very helpful in preventing the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

If none of this works, you should see a doctor. Perhaps, he will prescribe contraceptives to reduce the symptoms of PMS so that they do not end up leading to PMDD.

Finally, in the most severe cases, antidepressants may be prescribed or some type of cognitive behavioral therapy may be recommended. However, it is always best to try natural options first.